Devdaru

Known as the "Woods of Gods," Devdaru is a plant valued for the medicinal, commercial, and religious purposes it has served mankind. Among the Pinaceae family's thickset members, Deodar stands tall, nearly 60-80 meters high. It is a coniferous tree with dark brownish-black bark with diagonal cracks dividing into irregular oblong scales, and the leaves are long and slender with dark green with wavy margins.

The deodar tree is celebrated for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. The oil extracted from its wood helps quickly manage respiratory problems, skin issues, and joint pains. Also revered as a therapeutic and holy plant in Indian cultures, Devdaru depicts power and spirituality and is included in many rituals and religious practices.

Devdaru is called by different names in different regions and languages. Some of them are:

• The term Devadāru comes from the Sanskrit language. It comprises two words: "Deva" means Gods, and "Daaru" means wood.
• Botanically, it is known as Cedrus deodara.
• It is mainly known as Himalayan cedar or Deodar cedar in English.
• In Bengali, it is known as Debdaru; in Gujarati Devadar in Hindi devdar; in Tamil, Vathaaram and Devadaram and Telugu Devadari or peetadaru.
• The Persian name for Devadāru is Cheed and Choob Narzahn and Arabic people call it Shajar al-Aqla and Shajar al-Jin.

Source of Devdaru

Devdaru is a plant-based medicine. The divine tree is an indigenous species of the Indian subcontinent, primarily found in the Western Himalayas. However, the range expands to regions such as Pakistan, Nepal, Southwestern Tibet, Bangladesh, Afghanistan.

In India, Deodar trees mainly grow in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Darjeeling. They are also planted exotically in countries such as China, Argentina, France, Canada, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

How is Devdaru Made?

Charaka Samhita, a principal text in Ayurveda, outlines several methods for making Devdaru.

• Devdaru wood is used in the dried bark form, which is then powdered to prepare several formulations. The powder may be boiled in water to extract its medicinal properties, or it may be soaked in hot water and then strained before consumption.
• The famous Devdaru oil comes from steam distillation of the wood. It is prepared by mixing it with a base oil, like coconut oil, and is used for external applications.
• Churnas or herbal powders are also made from Devdaru. These are mixed with other substances or herbs to treat multiple health disorders.
• Devdaru can also be used in fermentation-prepared Ayurvedic tonics. A decoction with sugar, honey, and specific herbs is used here to help treat inflammatory diseases.

Parts used

Devdaru’s bark, wood, and leaves are potent constituents. Below is a table that lists the parts of Devdaru’s uses and preparations in Ayurvedic medicine:

About 2.1% of the essential oil is yielded from the Deodar heartwood. It consists primarily of the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons a-himachalene (6–7%), p-himachalene, and various isomers such as o-himachalene, 2 with p-methyl acetophenone, p-methyl 3-tetrahydro acetophenone, atlantone and himachalo. Besides hydrocarbons, it contains flavonoids, mainly taxifolin, quercetin, and deodarin 3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxy-8-C-methyl dihydroflavonol.

Deodar tree offers many health benefits rooted in its potent medicinal properties. It has various applications that do not just enhance physical but also mental health. Some of the notable ones are:

Manages Ulcers And Wounds

Through its anti-inflammatory principles, it manages several ulcers, including peptic ulcers, canker sores, mouth ulcers, and ulcerative colitis. On the other hand, bioactive compounds contribute to wound cleansing, which supports healing wounds, relieving pain, and rejuvenating tissues.

Aids in Digestion and other stomach-related Issues

Poor digestion causes all types of diseases in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to take the measures needed to overcome it. The carminative, antacid, and anti-flatulent properties of Deodar reduce gas and excessive acid formation in the stomach, easing conditions such as indigestion, gastritis, flatulence, bloating, constipation, and abdominal distension. It accelerates the absorption of nutrients in the body, strengthens peristaltic movements of the gut, and encourages proper evacuation of stools.

Fights Respiratory Concerns

With properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic, Devdaru is said to help address many respiratory conditions, from common cold to flu symptoms, sore throat, bronchitis, and asthmatic conditions. It loosens up the rheum particles in the chest and nasal cavities, improving breathing and even assisting in bringing out mucus from the body.

Alleviates Difficulty in Urination

Thanks to its diuretic and cooling nature, Deodar is beneficial for managing urinary disorders associated with painful urination, urinary incontinence, dysuria, and burning sensation while urinating. Hence, it may help prevent chronic kidney failure.

Eliminates Stress And Anxiety

Stress and anxiety have become part of life nowadays, and the management of these conditions cannot be overstated. Devdaru oil, also called Cedarwood oil, can be helpful since it is a strong sedative and mood enhancer. This oil reduces stress, anxiety, restlessness, cold hands and feet, and insomnia. Its calming properties uplift moods and instil hope and joy.

Helps In Weight Loss

Searching for a healthy agent who could assist in your weight management journey? Devdaru has got your back! The thermogenic effect of Devadaru may help boost metabolism and promote weight loss. 

Augments Skin

Numerous antioxidants and antimicrobial agents present in Deodar play a significant role in managing skin infections like acne, boils, psoriasis, warts, scabies, eczema, blisters, and itching. It also evens out the complexion, clears blocked pores, and reduces signs of ageing.

Remedies Hair Troubles

Loaded with bioactive compounds necessary for the body, Deodar actively participates in collagen production. It enhances blood flow in hair follicles while protecting against various hair concerns, such as dandruff and stale, dull locks.

Improves Cognitive Functioning

Recent studies suggested that Deodar might be a cognitive-enhancing product, enhancing one's ability to remember and sharpen focus. It calms the mind, eliminates mental fatigue, and brings clarity and concentration. That being so, it is a great addition to any holistic approach that would prevent one's overall decline in cognitive health.

Deodar tree uses are widespread. They can be efficiently used in the form of oil and paste. It has been used for various purposes in everyday life, from providing relaxation to promoting respiratory health; it does it all! What’s more? It is even used in aromatherapy or massage.

Let us explore briefly its common uses:

Devdaru Oil

• Begin by taking 20-40 drops of Devdaru oil or as needed.
• Add coconut oil to it. Don't use them without mixing them with a carrier oil.
• Gently massage the involved area to treat the problems.

Devdaru Paste

• Take 1-2 teaspoons of Devdaru paste or as your doctor directs.
• Apply it to the affected area slightly.
• Wait patiently and call after at least 1-2 hours.
• Applying this paste one to twice daily can quickly suppress inflammation, itching, pain, and swelling.

Other Uses of Deodar

Deodar benefits extend beyond health, like:

• Aromatic Qualities: The heartwood of Deodar is quite fragrant. It is used to prepare agarbattis and perfumes, which infuse rooms with its scent.
• Ornamental Uses: The fruits of the Deodar tree are ornamentally used, mainly in the Western world, around Christmas time; thus, it is also an ornamental tree.
• Construction Material: Deodar timber is in high demand as a building material. It is resistant to rot, strong, and fine-grained, giving it a polished finish. People use it for constructing temples, boathouses, canals, public buildings, bridges, barracks, and railway cars.
• Essential Oil: Devdar or Cedarwood essential oil, extracted from the bark, serves various purposes, including its use as an insect repellent in soaps, shampoos, and other beauty products, as well as in anti-fungal ointments.
• Storage Solutions: Deodar wood stores and preserves meats and grains, such as wheat and oats, thanks to its powerful anti-fungal and insect-repelling properties.

Although Devdaru is natural and a boon for health and well-being, some precautions must be taken to avoid unwanted allergic reactions. These include the following:

• Always use Devdaru oil after mixing it with carrier oil. Coconut oil is an excellent option in this case.
• Before applying it to the skin, ensure that a patch test is performed, which is paramount, especially for people with hypersensitive skin.
• Chronic inhalation of Devadaru oil  may be harmful to the lungs.

Experts suggest the following amount of dosage when using Devdaru:

• Devdaru Oil: About 20-30 drops or as per your requirement
• Devdaru Powder: No more than 1-5 gm or as required.
• Decoction: Roughly 50-100 ml.

• The "Woods of Gods," or Devdaru, is a tall coniferous tree. It is widely renowned for its medicinal, commercial, and spiritual value.
• Devdaru has some antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It is beneficial in managing various health conditions, including respiratory, dermatological, and arthritic problems.
• Deodar leaves, bark, and wood produce essential oils and powders for various Ayurvedic remedies. 
• Devdaru benefits promote digestion, manage wounds and ulcers, support mental health, and rejuvenate the skin and hair, making it a versatile asset in holistic wellness.